LATE SEASON BEAUTY: DISCOVERING FALL IN FLORIDA
Florida is best known for its tropical inspired landscapes and beaches but what if I told you beyond that, in the wildest corners of Florida, there is a dazzling display of fall colors that rivals any quaint town in New England. In Northeast Florida, the pineland savannas are alive with the sights and sounds of the season. There are fields of swaying grasses, the air is filled with the scent of pine, purple spikes of liatris dance in the sky, and white dahlias blanket the ground like a low lying cloud. This is Florida's fall and it’s waiting to be explored!
My quest for Florida's hidden fall colors led me to Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve in Jacksonville, FL. This remarkable place isn't your typical Florida landscape. Picture a large peninsula that is surrounded by two creeks on each side, where upland pine savannahs meet beautiful hammocks and wetland communities. Thanks to careful management and controlled burns, the preserve boasts a thriving community of native plants, making it a perfect spot to witness the subtle beauty of the Florida fall.
First on the list is one of my favorite grasses, Lopsided indian grass, or Sorghastrum secundum. This perennial is native to the southeastern coastal plain and grows primarily in dry longleaf pine savannas with regular fire intervals. This delicate, low growing grass goes most of the year unnoticed but explodes into a brilliant display of golden colored spike that seems to glow in the late day sunlight. This grass is also notable for it’s horizontal spikelets, which is where it gets its name “lopsided”
One of the more prevalent flower species in bloom right now you will see throughout the flatwoods is Florida paintbrush, or Carphephorous Corymbosus. This plant in the Asteraceae family is another one that is nearly imperceptible most of the year, existing as a low growing forb near the ground. In the Fall, this species sends up a large inflorescence and produces a very showy bloom for the month of October. This is a great plant for attracting a variety of pollinators. In the photo above, a black swallowtail is enjoying the nectar from this plant.
A Gulf fritillary butterfly gracefully sips the sweet nectar from the vibrant blooms of the Florida Paintbrush.
Spotted during my hike and pictured above, Cottony Goldenaster, scientifically known as Chrysopsis gossypina, is another common and delightful member of the aster family that is currently in bloom during this time of year. This hardy and easily grown plant not only enhances the landscape but also attracts numerous pollinating visitors, including this blister beetle, Epicauta heterodera, making it a great choice for a thriving garden ecosystem.
Fall in Florida is unique compared to other regions because the state's subtropical and tropical climate creates a different seasonal experience for native plants. Unlike the temperate zones where autumn is marked by colorful foliage and a clear transition into dormancy, Florida's native plants experience more gradual changes. The mild weather allows many species to thrive year-round, with only slight shifts in blooming and growth cycles as the temperature cools.
When the weather starts to chill, Florida's native plants, such as goldenrod, muhly grass, and beautyberry, are more prominent. These species often take advantage of the cooler, drier conditions to display vibrant colors or bear fruit, while many other regions are entering a dormant phase. Muhly grass, for example, produces striking pink or purple blooms that sweep across landscapes, and beautyberries develop their bright purple clusters. These plants are crucial for supporting local wildlife, offering nectar and seeds to pollinators and birds during this season of transition.
Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) in bloom.
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) provides sustenance for ample wildlife.
Additionally, Florida's fall serves as a preparation period for many native species, allowing them to conserve energy before the winter dry season. This is also a time when gardeners and conservationists focus on planting or maintaining native plants, as the moderate temperatures provide the ideal conditions for establishing new growth. For example, Naples Botanical Garden is among nine institutions participating in the Center for Plant Conservation’s Florida Plant Rescue and has the region’s only conservation seed bank, you can read more about their interesting work on their website. Fall in Florida showcases the resilience and adaptability of the state's native flora, offering a unique display of life compared to the more traditional concept of autumn in other parts of the U.S.
Wacca Pilatka Landscape Design & Services remains committed to enhancing the beauty and sustainability of outdoor spaces across the greater Jacksonville area. By focusing on native and Florida-friendly landscapes, we not only create visually appealing environments but also promote ecological health and conservation. Our experienced team is dedicated to understanding the unique needs of each property, ensuring tailored solutions that harmonize with the natural surroundings. As we look to the future, our goal is to continue fostering beautiful landscapes that reflect the rich biodiversity of Florida while providing lasting enjoyment and value to our clients.
Reach out to us today to start creating your dream habitat!
